Without thinking, Mark plunged in. Inside the bag, bound and terrified, was Bob. The boy freed him, clutching the shivering puppy close. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

Back home, Helena wrapped Bob in a blanket. Mark described the woman — and recognized Victoria. “We’ll keep him here until we sort this out,” Helena said firmly.

Mark went to Lydia’s house the next morning. Lydia’s father tried to believe Bob had run away. But when Mark blurted out the truth, Victoria pulled up in her silver car. Herman sent her inside, and minutes later came out pale and decisive: “Where’s Bob?”

When they came to Helena’s home, Herman was startled to recognize her — his old school friend. As the adults talked warmly, the boys played with Bob, their joy uncontainable.

That evening, Helena and Lydia’s families shared a meal together. Victoria’s belongings had vanished; the house felt warm and full of laughter.

Late that night, Mark and Lydia hatched a plan. “What if we wrote a note saying we ran away until they agreed to get married?” Lydia whispered. Giggling, they left it on the kitchen table.

By morning, the adults had found the note. Herman smiled. “Looks like we have no choice.”

The boys, hiding behind the bushes, heard Helena and Herman calling them back. “Deal?” Herman asked. Helena’s eyes shone with hope.

They ran into their parents’ arms. Bob barked happily. The sun broke through the clouds, as if to seal the moment.

Life felt kind again.